England inspired to record-breaking Australia win by team talk from Afghanistan veteran

England captain Lewis Moody has revealed how Saturday's 35-18 victory over Australia was inspired by a pre-match talk from a wounded British war hero.

Capt Harry Parker of the 4th Battalion The Rifles addressed the team at their Pennyhill Park base on the eve of their record-breaking victory over the Wallabies.

The shirts of both teams had a poppy embroidered on to the arm to mark Remembrance Day and the match was preceded by a minute's silence.

"The night before the game we were privileged to receive a visit from Capt Harry Parker," Moody said.

Even Trafalgar Square falls silent as nation marks Armistice Day14 Nov 2010
"He was seriously wounded, losing both his legs, when he took the full force of a booby-trap bomb in Afghanistan.

"It takes a lot to keep the England boys quiet, but when Capt Parker spoke to us in the team room at Pennyhill Park, you could have heard a pin drop.

"When you see someone who has been through so much being so positive, it is inspirational. He spoke about how important teamwork is and what it means to be nervous before you go out to do your duty.

"The worst time for any player is the night before a game, but the night before this match was easier because of what Capt Parker had said.

"We knew we had nothing to be nervous about compared with what the Armed Forces have to endure before they go into battle.

"Obviously, what we do on the field pales into insignificance compared with the heroic endeavours of our soldiers.

"I hope we did the England fans and Capt Parker proud in completing back-to-back wins over Australia."

Moody and Australia captain Rocky Elsom have both donated their jerseys to the Poppy Appeal and they are to be auctioned by the Rugby Football Union via eBay.

England had never before scored more than 32 points against Australia and on Saturday they equalled their record margin of victory against the Wallabies.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rug...n-veteran.html


respect.